pilgrimage
8 days/7 nights Italy pilgrim tour
An amazing 8 days Italian pilgrimage tour.
Day 1
Rome
Arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2
Rome - Vatican Museums, St. Peter's, Scala Santa, Abbey of Three Fountains, St. Paul Outside the Wall
Begin a full day of sight seeing. First visit Vatican City where you will see the Basilica at St. Peter, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums with stunning works of art at every turn. Afterwards stop at The Abbey of the Three Fountains. Next, visit the 4th century Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the site of Paul’s tomb, and the Scala Santa, where Martin Luther made his stand against the practice of indulgences. This fascinating museum houses the Steps from Pilot's Judgment Hall in Jerusalem brought to Rome by Helena, the mother of Constantine. Additional sights include the Arches of Constantine and Titus, Circus Maximus and the beautiful marble monument called the Wedding Cake. Overnight.
Day 3
Rome - Forum, Mamertine, Coliseum, St. John di Lateran, Catacombs
Have a walking tour at the ancient Roman Forum, where your guide will divulge its secrets. Visit the Arch of Titus which commemorated the sacking of Jerusalem by Titus in AD 70. Step inside the Mamertine Prison, where tradition says the Apostle Paul was imprisoned. The Roman church would say that Peter was imprisoned here as well, but there is no definite evidence that Peter was ever in Rome. Next, visit the Colosseum, where thousands of people and animals perished during gladiatorial games. The Colosseum first opened in AD 80 and within 100 days of its opening, 5000 wild beasts perished here. The slaughter of both humans and animals continued for three more centuries. Historians believe the Colosseum could hold between 40,000 and 80,000 people depending on how close the seating was. The floor has recently had a plank placed over the middle making it accessible for people to walk over the labyrinth of brick cells, ramps, and elevators used to transport animals and gladiators into the arena. Hear the stories of the games that have fascinated people for years. Next, visit St. John di Lateran, the first Christian church and baptistry established by Constantine. Conclude your day at the Catacombs where thousands of Christians were buried in a remarkable tiered series of galleries. Overnight.
Day 4
Rome – Assisi (196km/3h) – Montecatini (222km/3h20min)
Travel through scenic Umbria to the ancient walled hillside village of Assisi. You will enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful, medieval town, which will include the Basilica San Francesco, decorated with some of the most renowned frescoes in the world. The stories of the sacrificial life of St. Francis will be an encouragement to us all. This afternoon, travel on to the spa village of Montecatini Terme, in the heart of Tuscany.
Day 5
Montecatini - Florence (52km/1h)
Today have a guided tour of Florence, one of the world’s greatest artistic capitals, which will include the Piazza della Signoria, Duomo, Baptistry and a visit to the Accademia Galley, home of Michelangelo’s David. A stop will also be made on the hillside overlooking the river from Florence where you will enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful red-tiled roof cityscape. This afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy shopping, visiting more galleries or strolling on the famous Ponte Vecchio, the old bridge which spans the Arno River. Remember that Florence leather shops are the best in the world and bargains on excellent quality goods are abundant. Overnight.
Day 6
Florence - Pisa (102km/1h20min) – Verona (306km/4h) – Mestre (116km/1h30min)
Begin the day with a tour of Pisa where you will visit the Baptistry, Duomo and the famous leaning tower in the Piazza dei Miracoli, followed by some free time. In the afternoon, continue northward through colourful Tuscan countryside, past Bologna and on to romantic Verona, medieval setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Explore the historic centre. Have some free time for shopping and to see the famed balcony of Juliet. Continue to Venice Mestre for overnight.
Day 7
Mestre - Venice (15km/20min)
Start a morning sightseeing in style as your guide takes you by private boat along the Giudecca canal to meet your resident expert. Highlights of your walking tour are St. Mark’s Square and the Byzantine splendour of St. Mark’s Basilica, the lavish Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Afterwards enjoy Venice at your own pace, or join an optional gondola ride or a visit to the Waldensian Christian Museum. Return to hotel for overnight.
Day 8
Venice
Transfer to the airport.
